Honestly I think this is one of the best things about PoE. Instead of letting the super hardcore minority direct all effort towards "end game" by whining (I've played 1000 hours and have nothing to do! This game has no end game and sucks!), they are actively trying to keep people playing through the game. Also, they kinda have to since it's f2p.

Seriously, what is more hardcore than a 1 hour hardcore race for some shinies? I applaud that they are aiming for a different group with a different approach, but "accessible" is not what I would call this.

7000 is a good number for a small event like a race. From what I know these happen quite often? I don't think PoE's playerbase is going to grow super large, but they will be consistent and that's more important for the game.

Seriously, what is more hardcore than a 1 hour hardcore race for some shinies? I applaud that they are aiming for a different group with a different approach, but "accessible" is not what I would call this.

You're right, it is technically a minority. But, I'd imagine it is FAR more, percentage wise, then the number of people who have beaten Inferno in Diablo. Further, it's something that anyone CAN participate in the race, unlike finishing Inferno.